[Pain treatment of patients with cancer]

In Vestfold, with a population of 192,200, all patients who died from cancer in 1987 were followed retrospectively through their last six months. 61% (n = 342) had cancer-related pain and received analgesic treatment. In 9% pain remained a problem. In the same group, 74% suffered from other symptoms, such as nausea, dyspnoea, anxiety and depression. These symptoms were reduced efficiently in only 58%. Nausea was the main problem. We found a significant connection between nausea, chemotherapy and opiate treatment. Anxiety and depression were recognised in about 20% of the patients, and were seldom adequately relieved. In order to provide optimal quality of life, more attention should be drawn not only to pain but also to the other symptoms.